Chairman of Elsner Engineering Works Dies

HANOVER, Pa.—Frank Elsner, Jr., P.E., chairman emeritus of Elsner Engineering Works, Inc., passed away on August 30, 2007. Frank died after a brief illness at the age of 80 with his family by his side. He was born in 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of first generation German immigrants to the USA. He moved with his parents to Hanover in 1932. Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Eleanor Jane Scholl Elsner and four children.

Ensign Elsner served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theatre in World War II. Upon his discharge, he worked in Canton, Ohio and Meadville, Pa. before returning to work with his father in 1954 at Elsner Engineering Works, Inc. Upon his father’s untimely death in 1967, Frank assumed the second generation role of president and treasurer of this family firm, a title he retained until his retirement in 1993. His career spanned 38 years with the family business. Frank believed “people are important” and always ensured satisfaction for his employees, customers, suppliers and industry associates. He made many friendships and treasured those well into his retirement. Upon his retirement, Frank assumed the role of chairman of the board of directors from his mother and became chairman emeritus in 2000 upon his brother Bertram’s retirement. Frank was a registered professional engineer and held several patents.

In addition to his work commitments, Frank was active both civically and socially in the Hanover area and served on many local boards, including the board of directors of Adams County National Bank, a publicly traded banking institution, for 33 years. Frank enjoyed model building, photography and travel. He and his wife visited 6 continents and more than 60 countries during business and pleasure travels. Frank and his wife were also avid sailors and boaters for many years. Upon his retirement, Frank spent more than two years building a scale working model replica of the LST on which he served during the war. This model was awarded the Best Steel Navy Ship by the U.S. Naval Academy Ship Model Society in 2000.

Memorial contributions can be made in Frank’s memory to Visiting Nurse Association of Hanover and Spring Grove, VNA Community Health Services or VNA Hospice, 440 North Madison Street, Hanover, PA 17331 or to the charity of your choice.